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Cullen attempted to stifle a blush and took a slight bow.
“I am very excited to have dinner tonight.” Chi-Chi was nervousandexcited.
“Me too. Thank you for agreeing to join me,” Cullen said.
“I do not think your sister would have it any other way.” Chi-Chi smiled.
Cullen chuckled. “She is quite the Luna-tic. Shall we?” He gestured toward his waiting vehicle. It was a town car.
“This is not yours,” Chi-Chi stated.
“No. I didn’t want you to have to climb into my SUV.”
“Thank you, but . . .” She stopped herself and remembered one of Luna’s teachings,Accept the compliment or the act of kindness with grace. Do not stipulate.“That was very thoughtful.” She grabbed her clutch and a deep purple wrap with silver threads.
Definitely a knockout.He didn’t want to sound too smarmy, so he only let that thought form a balloon in his mind.
The driver got out and opened the rear passenger door for them.
“This is quite a treat.” Chi-Chi got comfortable in the soft leather seat. Cullen followed. The ride to the restaurant took just under twenty minutes. Chi-Chi was very chatty, recounting her afternoon with her brother and introducing him to some of the artists. When she got to the part about Jennine, she and Cullen were laughing so hard they were on the verge of tears.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the driver repeated the action. He put out his hand to assist Chi-Chi get out of the car. She turned and smiled at Cullen, who got out on his side without the help of the driver. He quickly moved to her side as they entered the building and opened the door. He wanted anyone who was watching to know he was with this gorgeous creature. He thought she looked like a goddess.
The maître d’ showed them to their table as a small jazz combo played in the background.
“This is lovely,” Chi-Chi commented, as the gentleman pulled out her chair. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, madam.” He handed her a menu and turned to Cullen. “Monsieur. Your server will be with you shortly.” He gave a short, quick nod, tossing his hair aside.
Chi-Chi repressed a giggle as he walked away. “He has watched many movies.”
“A bit dramatic, yes.” Cullen perused the menu as they waited for their server. “I haven’t had escargot in a long time. I am sure it’s one of their specialties.”
Chi-Chi let out a soft grunt. “They are too slimy for me. But please, do not think you should not order them. I do not mind if other people eat them but I cannot open my lips to one of them.”
The waiter approached their table. “Bonsoir, madam et monsieur.Would you care for a cocktail?”
Cullen was keen to reply with “Oui,” but Chi-Chi caught his eye and gave him a raised eyebrow. Instead, he responded by asking Chi-Chi if she wanted a cocktail or wine.
“I would like a Hendrick’s martini with a crush of cucumber, please.”
“Very well. And you, sir?”
“I’ll have the same, but also please bring the wine list.”
The waiter rattled off the specials and they settled on the seven-course tasting menu. They would start with canapes, then on to hors d’oeuvres, fish, poultry, salad, cheese, and dessert. Cullen ordered a bottle of Alphonse Mellot Sancerre “Edmond.” It had a 93 rating but wasn’t going to break the bank. “This should go with all of our courses.”
Chi-Chi started to giggle. “Remember the stories you and Chris told about ordering wine and champagne and didn’t know the cost?”
Cullen chuckled. “At least here the prices are listed. I’m not going to make that mistake again.”
The food was scrumptious and the presentations works of art. Both Chi-Chi and Cullen appreciated the aesthetic of the plating. And every course tasted better than the one before.
Just before the dessert course, Chi-Chi excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. After a while, Cullen checked his watch. She had been gone for almost fifteen minutes. He wondered what was taking her so long. It could have been the jumpsuit. Even though he was a man, he knew it took a bit of gymnastics to get in and out of those things. He kept looking in the direction of the ladies’ lounge. Still no Chi-Chi.
* * *
Luna set her phone down on the console table behind the big ugly brown leather couch. She went to the door on the far wall of the dining room. It led to a small mudroom, where Gaines had positioned the refurbished armoire Cullen rescued from a storage sale. Another door led to basement stairs, and an exterior door opened out to the carport. It was neat as a pin. The whole house was neat as a pin. You’d never guess a man with a teenage son lived in it. Granted, Carter was only there every other weekend and a few nights a week, but that was enough time for an adolescent to cause havoc.
